Tributes for Gympie veterinarian Phillip David Waugh after death

Retired Gympie veterinarian and former owner of one the region’s oldest clinics Phillip David Waugh is being remembered as a “loving father” and “dear friend” following his death.

Mr Waugh’s death at age 79 was announced on social media by his daughter Lauren in a touching tribute. Photo Renee Pilcher / The Gympie Times

Retired Gympie veterinarian and former owner of one the region’s oldest clinics Phillip David Waugh is being remembered as a “loving father” and “dear friend” following his death on Saturday.

Mr Waugh’s death at age 79 was announced on social media by his daughter Lauren in a touching tribute.

Ms Waugh said he was “an adoring husband to Judy, loving father to Lauren, Ashley and Yoni, funny poppy to Blade, Scarlett and Rosey, dear friend to many and compassionate veterinarian, crossed the rainbow bridge to meet his beloved mate Clancy on Saturday,” Ms Waugh wrote.

“He was surrounded by his family and was caring, considerate and cheeky till his last breath. Phillip, Dad, Poppy you will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.”

Mr Waugh was born in 1945 and owned the Bent St Veterinarian Surgery for years until his retirement in 2013, when he sold the business.

Phillip Waugh graduated from The University of Queensland in 1970 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, a field he would only retire from 43 years later after selling his well-loved vet clinic. Picture: Lauren Waugh.

He studied his trade at the University of Queensland from 1964 to 1970, graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

His death spurred an outpouring of support from friends who remembered him as a kind-hearted gentleman, and a joker.

“Deepest sympathy to you all. A lovely tribute Lauren,” Claire Mayfield said in her post under Ms Waugh’s announcement.

Gordon Lyon said he could “remember Phip at vet surgery when ever he treated my little dog he would always hold his hands and count the fingers to see if he still had them all”.

Mr Waugh’s death at age 79 was announced on social media by his daughter Lauren in a touching tribute. Photo Renee Pilcher / The Gympie Times

Jackie Kyte paid tribute to “a gentleman and a bit of a joker” and Julie Sandy recalled him as “a wonderful man, always so kind, joyful and compassionate”.

“Deepest sympathy to you all. A lovely tribute Lauren,” Claire Mayfield said in her post under Ms Waugh’s announcement.

Gordon Lyon said he could “remember Phip at vet surgery when ever he treated my little dog he would always hold his hands and count the fingers to see if he still had them all”.

Jackie Kyte paid tribute to “a gentleman and a bit of a joker” and Julie Sandy recalled him as “a wonderful man, always so kind, joyful and compassionate”.

Originally published as Tributes for Gympie veterinarian Phillip David Waugh after death